Georgia Boat Registration Summary

Georgia boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling,
registration, loan perfection, and operational requirements for the
State of Georgia. Additional boat registration and titling
resources can be found by visiting our State page as shown in the above
menu selections. Boat registration services, supplemental forms, and
historical research data are also available from our Services, Forms, and
Database pages.

The information presented here is subject to change and should be
confirmed with the respective state agency.
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read our
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Georgia Boat Registration
Department of Natural Resources

Georgia
Boat
Registration Statistics

There are
approximately 319,871 boats registered in the State
of Georgia. This accounts for 2.7% of all nationwide
registrations.

Boat
Registration Numbering

The
registration number prefix for the State of Georgia is "GA". Registration numbers must be
displayed on all state registered boats, except those which are
documented with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Registration is required on all boats except sailboats under
12 feet in length, canoes, kayaks, rowboats and rubber rafts
that have no mechanical propulsion (i.e., are paddled, poled,
oared or windblown), boats operated exclusively on private ponds
or lake. The registration cycle is 3 years. Registration is also
required for Coast Guard documented vessels.

Boat
Title Requirements

Georgia does
not issue boat titles, this is a registration only state.

Boat Registration Records

Boat
registration records in Georgia are administered by the
Department of Natural Resources. The DNA will check their
records for a hull identification by telephone and verify a
registration if you have the certificate in hand. Record
print-outs are otherwise available, but it will be
necessary to send a written request. Boat
registration records are maintained indefinitely by the State of
Georgia.

Abandoned Boats

Georgia has
provisions for removal of abandoned boats, however there are no
specific procedures for registration.

Boat Tax Requirements

Sales tax
applies on boat transactions and there is a yearly personal property tax.

Boat
Loan Perfection

A security interest on a non-documented boat in Georgia is perfected with a UCC
financing statement. If the vessel is Coast Guard documented, a
preferred vessel mortgage must be recorded with the National
Vessel Documentation Center.

Boat
Ownership Designations

Georgia does
not designate joint ownership terms on boat registrations.

Boat
Residency Requirements

Non-residents
may apply for a registration if the boat is located within the
State of Georgia.

Boat
Hull Number Inspections

All boats
built after 1972 must have an appropriate hull identification
number in order to qualify for registration. If not, an assigned
number must be affixed by a state official.

Boat
Reporting Requirements

The transfer,
abandonment, theft, or destruction of a Georgia registered boat
must be reported to the Wildlife Resources Division within 15 days.

Outboard Boat Motors

Georgia does
not title or register outboard motors.

Boat Trailers

Boat trailers
are registered in Georgia, but not titled.

Notary Regulations

Georgia
notaries must affix an embossed or stamped seal on all notarized documents.